Mobile wireless computer system including devices and methods related thereto

Abstract

Featured is a mobile computer system that includes a computer, a computer embodying wireless technology, and a power supply that is operably coupled to the computer so the computing device or computer is operated and functional remote from fixed power sources. The power supply is configured so as to have a capacity sufficient for powering the computer and any peripherals or other components operably coupled thereto. The mobile system also includes a moving device that is configured and arranged so as to removable support the power supply and the computer as well as any peripherals and so the moving device along with the attached power supply and computer can be selectively moved between different locations such as by wheels.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 442,411 filed Jan. 23, 2003, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. ______ filed Jan. 5, 2004, (entitled Mobile Wireless Retail Shopping Cart Computer System; Attorney Docket Ref. 60559), the teachings of all being incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to a mobile computer system, more particularly the present invention relates to a mobile wireless computer system that is powered by a mobile power source, more specifically the present invention relates to a mobile wireless computer system for in-store retail operations and sales transactions at the point of the activity. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] On a daily, weekly and monthly basis, retailers perform numerous in-store tasks that require utilizing human resources and computer systems for inventory control and point-of-sale transactions. Retailers continuously struggle to efficiently al...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] Such a mobile computer system according to the present invention when used in a retail environment can dramatically increase efficiencies for such retailers by creating in effect a wireless modular computing device or computer and thereby provide wireless computing for in-store operations and customer sales transactions at the point of the activity. Beneficial effects of such a mobile computer system in a retail environment include, but are not limited to improving the efficiency and accuracy of these operations and thereby reducing expenditures of limited resources, including time and money. In this way, the mobile computer system of the present invention, removes the restrictions of conventional stationary computer, handheld computers, printing and point-of-sale systems while retaining the ability to carry out the functions associated with such conventional stationary systems.

[0010] In more particular embodiments, the batteries comprising the self-contained battery system includes any one of a number of re-chargeable types of batteries. The power supply also is configurable with one or more standard three-prong A / C power outlets so as to provide for easy connection of the equipment of the mobile computer system to the power supply. In more specific embodiments, the batteries output 12, 24 or similar DC voltage and the converter converts the DC output to a standard AC voltage (i.e., standard AC voltage as determined by the country of use; e.g., 110-120 VAC in the US). Supplying a standard AC voltage output allows conventional AC powered computer peripherals such a printers to be coupled to the power supply without the limitations associated with a typical DC power usage. In this way, the power supply provides a system that is very easy to connect to most computers and peripherals without power restrictions, thereby giving retailers the options of selecting and implementing the best computer solutions for their in-store operations and point of sale.

[0012] The device of the present invention preferably is a mobile cart on wheels with an integrated power supply that supplies continuous power to components including, but not limited to: wireless computers, wireless handheld computers, printers, laser and CCD barcode scanners, credit card readers, cash drawers, and wireless print servers. Such a device utilizes an optimized power system integrated with the cart that supplies power through, but not limited to: a self-contained battery system that has a DC to AC converter for supplying continuous A / C power to the on-board equipment. The integrated power supply also includes one or more standard three-prong A / C power outlets for easy connection of the equipment on-board the mobile cart device. The power supply / battery system can convert, for example, 12 volt DC battery power to 115 volt AC power. Such a mobile cart device also can accommodate storage, cable management, wire baskets, paper and label bin, shopping bags and wrapping material, and a trash bin.

Problems solved by technology

Traditionally, such tasks are resource intensive and entail significant expenditures of time and money at each retail outlet.

Also, retailers have been restricted operationally because the computers and printers used to perform these tasks can consume significant amounts of power or time for charging, and most are not portable.

Typically, such computers and printers are located in the back office of a retail establishment, instead of on the retail floor, thus becoming very operational expensive.

Retailers also have attempted to have employees wear the devices but this has proven to be very cumbersome and not very efficient.

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